Here’s another piece of advice on leadership.
What is leadership? That’s a question leaders get asked all the time. Often, they respond with a single comment: “Action.” Leadership is action. In its most basic form, leadership involves moving people from one place to another, either physically or figuratively. And if you’re going to get people moving, you’d better be sure you know where you’re headed. You have to make decisions about your desired destination and how you’re going to get there. You need to make the right decisions, you need to make them stick, and you need to accept the consequences.
Why? Because when you lead, you act not just for yourself, but for the benefit of everyone who calls you “leader.” And when you act, you have to communicate. You can make the best decisions in the world, but if others don’t know about them, then both your actions and the results of those actions will likely be ineffective.
Leadership, therefore, involves not only action, but also clear and concise communication.
Here are some ideas on action and communication …
Ø Just do it! (Thanks, Nike, for giving us one of the best leadership slogans of all time.) A leader doesn’t wait to be told what to do or for others to act first. A leader does whatever it takes to ensure that good things happen for others as well as for the organization.
Ø AVOID THE BLAME GAME! Leaders look for ways out of problems, not ways to create more. Someone who looks for solutions is a person who wants creative input; someone who looks to place blame is a person looking for a scapegoat.
Ø Address people issues immediately. Get to the heart of the matter by asking questions. Don’t wait for people problems to fester … they can be poisonous to an organization.
When you make a mistake, admit it! Don’t try to hide it. And if you lose your cool, or snap sharply at someone, be quick to apologize. Rather than detract from your aura as a leader, your honesty will enhance it.
Lead well ... LEAD RIGHT
